Successful Treatment of Lung Abscess with Pigtailed Catheter after Failure with Antibiotics and Surgical Debridement

Necrotizing pneumonia is a rare complication of pneumonia as it could lead to lung abscess, septic shock and respiratory failure. 80%-90% of lung abscess are successfully treated with antibiotics, however surgical intervention is required in refractory cases1. Mortality rates are high despite thoracotomy and lobectomy, ranging from 15%-20% [1]. An alternative therapy is percutaneous tube drainage.